The mental health of first responders is in the spotlight after a tragic police shooting in Detroit

DETROIT (FOX 2) – Following a tragic incident in Detroit in which police officers were forced to shoot one of their own who was “requesting suicide by cop,” there is greater focus on mental health and the trauma that can exacerbate these people’s situations moved to the scene first.

Chief James White said the shooting is evidence that first responders such as police officers are not immune to the effects of operations and the need for counseling should be expanded locally.

After the shooting, Councilwoman Mary Waters released a statement saying the city “may have failed” officers — both the officer in question and the two he targeted.

“More than one life was drastically affected yesterday, and please consider the family members of the officer in question and other officers and colleagues,” Scott Taylor said.

Taylor, who works with Frontline Strong Together 5 (FST5), which provides mental health counseling to first responders, estimated hundreds would be affected by Monday’s tragedy.

Taylor is a retired police officer. He and FST5 seek to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues – and provide support to those who are ready.

“We’re trying to change that – get rid of that stigma. It’s okay to ask for help. If you tear your Achilles tendon, you go to the doctor and get treatment, right?” he said. “If you pull a muscle up here, what’s the difference? Get treatment to get better.”

The agency offers free help, is active on social media and has a 24-hour hotline.

In an area where anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are among the challenges, the services are desperately needed.

“If you’re a first responder, you might have a shift where you have two or three bad things. “You have to be back in 8 or 12 hours and start over – you don’t have time to process it,” Taylor said.

Learn more at fst5.org